Title Co didn't pay the taxes paid at settlement

[MaryAnn Houghton]

We purchased a rental Nov 28, 2012 for cash. At the time of closing, we paid the winter taxes and our portion of the summer taxes on the property.

I was on the city assessor's website today to confirm what taxes were paid last year. The site had not updated the payment for the winter taxes yet so I called the assessor's office. I was informed that the winter taxes had not been paid and that there were late fees now associated with the account.

My next step was calling the title company and the gal that did our title work is on vacation this week. After a bit of digging, her colleague informed me that only the person that did the original title work could assist me and that I would have to leave a message on voice mail. I promptly did this.

My questions are as follows:
1) Is this a common occurrence that I need to follow up on after each of my transactions? I have not had this issue with past transactions.
2) Am I responsible for the late fees since I paid the taxes in full in November to the title co?
3) What should I specifically be asking the title co to do (other than pay my taxes) when I speak with them on Monday?

I don't see a benefit, as of yet, to demand to speak with a supervisor immediately (today) despite being cranky about the whole thing.

Thank you for your input. This came out of left field for us today.

[Randy F.]

If it were me, I would speak to management and ask them if their business is put on hold every time an employee goes on vacation. You're a customer. You paid them money. There is either an accounting error somewhere or they flat failed to meet their responsibility. You deserve answers NOW and they should be able to provide them. I'd haul my crankyness down to their office an demand answers.